[THE INVESTOR] K-pop boy band BTS is under fire by supporters of Korean President Moon Jae-in, claiming the group responded late to his congratulatory remarks for topping Billboard charts.

The controversy started when a fan of Moon uploaded an online post criticizing BTS for not replying to the president’s congratulations.

BTS

“BTS ignored the president's message, choosing to thank only its advertisers,” said a post. More than 3,000 people replied, criticizing BTS’ actions. Some Moon supporters even vowed not to use products from LG and Puma, brands endorsed by the popular boy band.

On May 28, Moon congratulated BTS for reaching the No.1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart on his official Twitter account. “Congratulations to the seven music-loving boys and their wings, ‘ARMY’! The songs, dance, dreams, and enthusiasm of BTS energized and gave strength to young people all over the world. I congratulate BTS on topping the Billboard 200 with their album titled ‘Love Yourself: Tear.’ This is the first ever Korean album to claim the top spot, and also the first non-English album to do so in 12 years.”

ARMY is the name of BTS’ fan club.

President Moon Jae-in's Twitter

BTS immediately retweeted Moon’s comment. The band also thanked the president during a live broadcast on V app that evening. Despite the fast response, President Moon’s fans were angry, saying the boy band didn’t properly thank the president, as they don’t consider retweeting as an actual reply.

Faced with the fury, BTS replied on Moon’s Twitter account on May 31, saying “President Moon Jae-in, thank you for congratulating BTS for being No.1 on Billboard.”